Lifetime Map updates

Ok I had 'custom streepilot' unit(Victory motorcycle brand but actually a 2720. I bought the lifetime update for maps.

Well earlier this summer the USB connection just stopped working. GPS is fine but I can no longer connect via USB. So I picked up another 2720 unit used. It works fine but obviously I can't get the map update to work with this 'new' unit.

I don't have a major problem spending another $90 for new map updates but the kicker is for the 'life of the unit'. It's a pretty old unit already but much cheaper than the newer 660-665 units that are watertight and motorcycle ready.

My concern is when is the usable life going to end on this unit? If I buy now then 1 year from now they kill the updates I'd have been better off buying a newer unit and trying to keep it dry(like with an aquabox).

Anyone else been in a similar situation? Guess I'm looking more for opinions than anything about how I should proceed.

Advertissements

We are currently on our 3rd and 4th Garmin Nuvi units, having given away the two older ones. Our 1st unit we had to replace after it died about 1 year out of warranty. The 3rd unit has so far been replaced twice under warranty. I wouldn't pay for the updates for the life of the unit, too expensive in my book.

Here is another reason not to buy Lifetime updates: Limited storage space on GPS VS IINCREASING SIZE of Future maps.

I'm on my Third Garmin GPS (each unit an Upgrade over previous unit), and one thing I've learned is that an older unit does not have enough storage to accommodate future maps unless you're willing to get less map coverage than in years past.

I just updated the maps on an older Nuvi 760. Now, I never bought the lifetime maps back then because it wasn't available. But as it turns out - That unit could only hold a new map internally, if I cut back on the area Coverdale by the map... only because the new maps have much more detail and POI info. Here in the states, the Original map in unit (2008) had "All of North America" (Canada, USA and Mexico). In the latest version of the same map (2012.40) - I can only fit the Lower 48 states ( or only about HALF OF THE ORIGINAL COVERAGE). Granted - I could have all the coverage if I loaded the remaining maps on an SD memory card... but some units will only support cards unto a certain size - thereby limiting you in the future, again.

Besides that, The third thing to consider is that Garmin maps have been found for free on forums like these.

I find that your reason to not purchase lifetime updates is not a reason at all. In fact your post seems to highlight that the GPS you purchased is the reason for your discontent, not the map itself.

Last year I received a 1300LM for my birthday, and it wasn't much of an upgrade from the 200W that I had before that. The 1xxx units were harshly criticized because of their small internal memories, and justifiably so. Garmin at the time did not help the situation because neither MapInstall nor their automated map installer could see the SD/MicroSD installed in the slot and thus would not offer to install the map to it.

While I am fortunate to know my way around MapInstall and manually transfer the maps to the SD/MicroSD, I am not Garmin's average end user. The average end user is not as likely to know how to transfer the maps manually, and many of them don't even bother to update their maps because they feel it's too difficult, too time consuming, or both.

Garmin recently revised their map installer to take SD/MicroSD cards into account. Prior to the revision, you would need MapInstall to place the maps onto the SD/MicroSD, which for the non-tech savvy is a rather daunting prospect. Now, if there isn't enough space in the internal memory to fit the entire map, the entire map will be copied to the SD/MicroSD.

They haven't fixed MapInstall, but the average Garmin end user likely isn't going to play around with MapInstall.

Speaking of the SD/MicroSD, all nüvi devices in the United States support SD/MicroSD cards up to 16GB in size. This actually is far more than most Garmin devices prior to the 2012 lineup are likely to ever need. And with the proper size, you never need worry about splitting maps between internal and external memory. In fact, I stopped splitting maps some time ago on my 200W. For that unit I kept the 2009 maps on the internal memory and have the 2012.40 maps on the SD Card.

From what I recall, the 2012 units have sufficient internal memory to not require a card for quite some time. If I recall, the nüvi 30, 40 and 50 have at least 4GB of internal memory. That should be plenty to go around for quite a few map updates, but if not you still will have the MicroSD option for those devices.

Lifetime updates are a good idea since they pay for themselves within six months of purchase.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ][Only registered and activated users can see links. ][Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job."
--Douglas Adams

We use cookies to store session information to facilitate remembering your login information, to allow you to save website preferences, to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.